EXCLUSIVE: Bp. Emilianos Speaks to UOJ on EP’s Decision to Suspend His Liturgical Ministry

His Grace Bp. Emilianos of Meloa. Photo: Orthodox Times

FEB. 17, 2026 — Last Tuesday, February 10, the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued decisions on the ministries of Bp. Emilianos of Meloa and Dcn. Christos Karafotias. His Grace Emilianos was formerly a hierarch of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and is a spiritual son of the revered Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra. 

The decree states that “because of the canonical offenses into which they had fallen, the following ecclesiastical penalties were imposed: on the one hand, upon Bishop Emilianos, the ecclesiastical penalty of a six-month suspension from all sacred services; and on the other hand, upon Deacon Christos Karafotias, deposition from the high ministry of the priesthood and his return to the ranks of the laity.”

Dcn. Christos Karafotias then shared on Facebook that he had been accepted into the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia's (ROCOR) Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America back in December by Abp. Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, who has been serving as Locum Tenens of the diocese since the repose of Abp. Peter. He claims that, when seeking a blessing to study in the United States, he was told to find a new jurisdiction to be under. According to Karafotias, multiple attempts at communication with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia to facilitate his transfer were ignored. Because of the "constant disrespect" in ignoring communication, Karafotias stated, Abp. Gabriel moved ahead with accepting him.

"I am attacked because of my spiritual connection with His Grace Bishop Emilianos of Meloa who is like a father to me," he said.

Bp. Emilianos, who is currently residing in the United States and has celebrated the liturgy at the Orthodox Church in America’s (OCA) cathedral in Dallas on numerous occasions, as well as given spiritual talks at various parishes, spoke to the Union of Orthodox Journalists of America about this decision. The exchange is published below.

UOJ: Before the decision of the Synod, was there any communication with Your Grace about what the supposed charges or accusations were?

Bp. Emilianos: There was no communication before, during or after. I had no idea someone accused me of something, I was not informed that I was accused by anyone (including the Synod where my accusation was presented), and I did not receive any correspondence whatsoever that a decision about the “case” had been made. A friend who saw a Facebook announcement online told me that I was punished. No official or direct communication whatsoever. Even the secular legal systems have a more Christian, humane approach.

UOJ: How has your education in the United States been going? I understand you are studying at Dallas Baptist University. What are you studying, and how has this assisted you in your pastoral work?

Bp. Emilianos: The educational journey in the United States is a great one so far. I was accepted into six universities in the United States, but I chose [Dallas Baptist University]. My choice has proven to be the right one, as all DBU professors embraced me with so much love that I cannot even begin to describe. Every single one of them is encouraging me to continue for a PhD. I was originally accepted in a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, but after my first semester I requested to be transferred to the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program. Given my GPA (3.89 out of 4.00) and my overall presence, church experience, publications, etc., they allowed me to do so right away. What I now learn is still counseling from a Christ-centered perspective — as it is a Christ-centered university — therefore, it simply guides me in how to assist the psychological needs of people, how to help them understand their human nature more, in order to accept themselves and focus on God without emotional obstacles. 

UOJ: You have been welcomed to several parishes here in America, both to celebrate the Divine Liturgy and to offer spiritual talks. Is it possible for this to continue after the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, or are you forced to cease these appearances until the case is resolved in some way?

Bp. Emilianos: All the Patriarchate managed to do is to take away — more or less — six Divine Liturgies I would have celebrated at the OCA Cathedral in the next six months. I can live with it. They cannot stop me from talking about God, even if they were to canonically and unethically defrock me in the way they just punished me. However, I could write books about them with the things I know. It could be interesting. Also, I’m not interested in contacting them to resolve the case. Time will pass. 

UOJ: You don’t have any plans to appeal the decision or ask to appear before a spiritual court to defend yourself?

Bp. Emilianos: Not interested. I have a very fulfilling life at the moment. I can't waste my time and focus on unnecessary high school drama.

UOJ: Thank you, Your Grace.

This past weekend, Bp. Emilianos taught catechumens at Fr. Seraphim Holland’s parish in Texas, and Fr. Moses McPherson published a discussion with His Grace about his Geronda Aimilianos, who is venerated as a saint by many.

Previously, the UOJ reported that His Grace had given a talk on watchfulness and prayer at a parish in Massachusetts.

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